title: Effect of supracervical apposition and spontaneous labour on apoptosis and matrix metalloproteinases in human fetal membranes.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Apoptosis and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-9) are capable of hydrolysing components of the extracellular matrix and weakening the fetal membranes which leads to eventual rupture, a key process of human parturition. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of supracervical apposition and spontaneous labour on apoptosis and MMP-9 in human fetal membranes at term.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fetal membranes were obtained from term non-labouring supracervical site (SCS) and compared to (i) a paired distal site (DS) or (ii) site of rupture (SOR) after spontaneous labour onset.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The expression of the proapoptotic markers Bax, Smac, Fas, FasL, caspase-3, and PARP, was significantly higher in the non-labouring SCS chorion compared to paired DS. Bax, Smac, FasL, caspase-3, and PARP staining was higher in the non-labouring SCS fetal membranes than that in the post-labour SOR. MMP-9 expression and activity were higher in the post-labour SOR fetal membranes compared to non-labouring SCS fetal membranes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Components of the apoptotic signalling pathways and MMP-9 may play a role in rupture and labour. Non-labouring SCS fetal membranes display altered morphology and altered apoptotic biochemical characteristics in preparation for labour, while the laboured SOR displays unique MMP characteristics.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Level 4/163 Studley Road, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia ; Research Centre, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia.
authors.forename: Mahalia
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Chai
authors.forename: Susan P
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Walker
authors.forename: Clyde
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Riley
authors.forename: Gregory E
authors.initials: GE
authors.lastname: Rice
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Permezel
authors.forename: Martha
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lappas
mesh_terms: D017209:Apoptosis / Q000235:genetics*; D053148:Caspase 3 / Q000378:metabolism; D005321:Extraembryonic Membranes / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D015870:Gene Expression / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D007743:Labor, Obstetric / Q000378:metabolism*; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 / Q000378:metabolism*; D011247:Pregnancy; D015398:Signal Transduction
chemical_list: D053148:Caspase 3; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9